“Let’s take a look at the samples.”  Theodora Walker-Halsey sat at the desk in Science Laboratory 12 on Montana Station.  The cold and clinical nature of the expansive testing and experiment facilities brought her an unparalleled calm.  The technician worked studiously on the blood and tissue samples they had taken, his eyes tracking each screen, his hands gently slotting each container into the scanner.  The colonists on the planet below had been experiencing an unusual battery of symptoms.  Walker-Halsey kept her eyes on the screens as the sensors went to work.  Her husband, Leopold, was the director of medical operations at the station and asked for her department’s help understanding what was causing the unusual situation.

“Director?”  The young officer turned to her, his eyes portending a revelation.  Theodora had taken over the civilian science operations on the station at the behest of her husband.  That was part of her reason.  The other part had been her desire to continue working within the science world without being tied to Starfleet.  There were still rules to be followed.  It gave the distance between her and Leopold that they needed.

“Talk to me, Terrance.”  She shifted her chair to where he sat, eyes staring at the screen.

“It’s…well, I don’t know what it is yet…but it’s recent.”  Another tap of the console as Terrance Callahan explained, “We’ve been running blood and tissue samples since they came under our umbrella in December – standard procedure.  Nothing like this shows up on the records.  I checked.  And checked again.”  The display showed the progression – normal and standard readings.  Then there was a change in this month’s readings.

Theodora tapped at the console, adjusting the view and variable reporting, “It’s not an infection…at least what we consider an infection.  The reports indicated a group of the colonists was having symptoms similar to bronchitis, and what else?”

He searched through the small pile of PADDs at his desk and handed one over, “It ran the spectrum: pneumonia, strep, common cold, and sinus infections.  This morning’s report updated with 65 patients in isolation on the planet…they’re waiting on our and medical’s reports before they recommend transport to the station or elsewhere.”

She asked, “What is the running theory with the medical team?”

“They’re worried about it. Doctor Halsey ordered the isolation setup immediately. The testing and evaluation of the planet are part of their theory.” He stopped and grimaced at the next part: ” At the first pass of the records, it appears they did not follow proper procedure when it came to the whole planet evaluation.”

Her head was calculating the numbers, “65 within a two-week period.  That’s just under ten percent.  Did we hear back from the other colonial operation stations?”  He shook his head.  “I’ll head up to check in with Captain Burton.”

The Communications Operations Center was unusually busy as she walked in and she could sense a pantheon of emotions.  Expressions from across the room came into focus.  Theodora knew something was wrong and walked casually to the Deputy Director Station where Lieutenant Presley Atega stood, earpiece pressed tightly against her head.  “Understood.  We’ve had a few others drop off.  I’ll send you a list of what we’ve got.”  She looked up, “Director – what can I do for you?”  Atega was frazzled, Theodora realized.  She glanced back at the Director’s desk. Captain Elbert Burton was in a conference with three highly ranked officers, his face drawn and tense.

“I was going to ask about reports due from a few colonial operations stations…what’s going on?”

Atega blew out a long sigh, “We’ve lost communications with a few survey ships.  Sensors are acting up and we’re not quite sure why or how.  Could be a temporary situation.”  She tapped at her console, “I don’t have any reports for you, Director.  The stations you had asked for them from are on our lists of locations we can’t reach.”

Theodora frowned, “You need any help?  Our current workload is full of projects we can put on hold.”  She glanced at Burton and was surprised when he waved her over, “Never mind, looks like your CO wants me.”  Atega mouthed a, ‘Good luck’ before the civilian scientist walked away and up the steps to where the communications department director stood.

“Director Walker-Halsey.  I need your help.”  He explained much of what Atega had detailed but added in additional context and background.  “It started about four hours ago.  We’re still able to reach Task Force headquarters and other major players…but it’s unusual enough to make me start to wonder what is going on out there.”

She slid over to where he stood, the massive screens displaying the ongoing situation, “You were able to reach Starbase 400?  That’s good news.”  She pointed out several other areas, “But those are dark?  That’s an unusual area to suddenly lose comms and sensors.”

Burton pointed out other areas, “We’re getting reports…scattered at best…of some other areas of impact across the Alpha.  Some of it is coming second or third hand…nobody’s panicking as it’s just one or two sectors…but it’s got enough of us wondering.”

Theodora turned to face the captain, “I’ll task most of my team to this project.  Has Commander T’saath reached out yet?”  The Vulcan was the Director of the Starfleet Science department.  Characterizing her as ‘detail oriented’ was putting it kindly.

“She was in my office first thing.  I’ll bring her up to speed.”  He paused, his face showing uncertainty.

Theodora chuckled at the grimace playing across his face, “We’ve not found the right foot to get off on yet, Captain Burton.  Your assistance with her…will be appreciated.”  She turned and weaved her way back through the communications department.  There was a mystery at play in the rimward…and beyond.